September 26, 2005
Hyperglycemia and DKA, Other
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Question from Kent, England:
Why do I get thirsty when my blood sugars are high?
Answer:
From: DTeam Staff
When there is a lack of insulin or an error in diet, as may happen in type 1 diabetes, blood glucose levels will be higher with the eventual presence of glucose in the urine (glycosuria). The kidney then will try to reabsorb as much glucose as possible from the urine even when blood glucose level is above a certain level. The kidney glucose transporter is saturated and the glucose will be passed out with the urine instead. The continuous loss of glucose in the urine increases the volume of urine with a larger amount of urine voided over the day. This dehydration secondary to glycosuria makes the diabetic feel thirsty.
MS
